The Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel, announced to Parliament that the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) will work together to enhance the nation’s road infrastructure. This statement was made during a parliamentary debate focused on the annual report of the FRA, where Immanuel clarified that the re-establishment of the PWD is not aimed at replacing the FRA, but rather at bolstering the delivery of roadway services across both urban and rural areas.
Immanuel specified that the FRA will primarily oversee the maintenance and upgrades of Fiji’s national road network, particularly in urban settings, while the newly reinstated PWD will concentrate on rural infrastructure. Following the guidance of the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, collaboration between the two entities aims to improve overall road conditions throughout Fiji.
The Minister highlighted several ongoing measures within the FRA designed to enhance project oversight and accountability. These include the implementation of multiple inspection layers, audits, technical verifications, and clearly defined internal roles for managing maintenance and capital projects. He noted that the FRA has also begun initiatives such as vegetation control and small zone contracts, as well as a long-overdue asset valuation process to accurately assess its road infrastructure.
This collaboration is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the needs of communities that have struggled with road access, particularly in rural areas. The government is pressing ahead with substantial investments in roadwork machinery, which have already begun to make a positive impact in locales such as Nasereilagi and Nalidi, enhancing crucial connections for residents.
The restoration of the PWD and the focused improvement of road conditions signals a proactive approach from the government to rectify past oversights and ensure both rural and urban residents benefit from improved infrastructure. As Fiji embarks on this journey to uplift its road networks, the prospects for enhanced connectivity and economic growth appear promising, supporting the well-being of its communities.
Leave a comment